Xander Zayas Claims First World Title in Garden Showcase

Puerto Rico’s rising star Xander Zayas fulfilled a lifelong dream Saturday night at Madison Square Garden’s Theater by capturing the WBO junior middleweight world title. The 22-year-old remained unbeaten, improving to 22-0 (13 KOs), with a dominant unanimous decision over Mexico’s Jorge Garcia (33-5, 26 KOs). Judges scored the bout 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109.

Garcia, coming off a major upset win over Charles Conwell in April, came out aggressive, throwing looping punches in hopes of catching the younger fighter off guard. Zayas remained composed, sticking to a disciplined strategy centered around a sharp jab and measured right hands.

The most heated exchange came in round six, when the fighters traded heavy hooks in the center of the ring. But Zayas’ superior technique and timing took over as the fight wore on. By the later rounds, he was in full control, using footwork and counters to outbox Garcia.

“This was Boxing 101,” said Zayas. “I knew if I stood in front of him, I’d be fighting his fight. I stuck behind the jab, and it made all the difference. This is a dream come true. To see my Puerto Rican fans out here tonight — it means everything.”

Bruce Carrington Cruises to Interim World Title

Brooklyn’s Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) added the WBC interim featherweight world title to his resume with a dominant decision win over Namibia’s Mateus Heita (14-1, 9 KOs). Scores read 119-109 twice and 120-108.

Carrington used a complete toolset — angles, counters, and movement — to frustrate Heita over twelve rounds. Though Heita showed toughness and some early resistance, Carrington took control by the midpoint and closed the show in style.

“I wanted to prove I could go the full 12 rounds,” Carrington said. “I feel like I showed I’m ready for the next level. I want all the champions — Espinoza, Nick Ball, Stephen Fulton — I’m calling all of them out.”

Emiliano Vargas Makes Explosive Statement

In his New York debut, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (15-0, 13 KOs) made a thunderous impression by knocking out Alexander Espinoza (20-4-1, 9 KOs) in just 42 seconds. Vargas slipped a jab and landed a pinpoint right hand to the chin that ended the bout almost immediately.

“My dad fought here 26 years ago, and now I’m here continuing the legacy,” said Vargas. “I was ready for 15 rounds tonight. But when the moment comes, you take it. I’m ready for the next level.”

Undercard Results:

Welterweight: Rohan Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Quinton Randall (15-3-1, 3 KOs) with scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 97-93. Despite Randall’s crafty defense, Polanco’s consistent pressure won him the rounds.

Junior Bantamweight: Juanmita Lopez De Jesus (3-0, 2 KOs), the son of a Puerto Rican legend, stopped Jorge Gonzalez-Sanchez (5-3, 4 KOs) in the second round after scoring two early knockdowns.

Featherweight: Yan Santana (15-0, 12 KOs) shut out former title challenger Aaron Alameda (30-3, 17 KOs) with a clean sweep on the scorecards (100-90 x3) to claim the NABO title.

Junior Bantamweight: Steven Navarro (7-0, 5 KOs) outpointed Cristopher Rios (11-3, 7 KOs) in a close contest, winning 77-75 on all three cards.

Lightweight: Julius Ballo (1-0) made a successful pro debut with a shutout four-round decision over Brandan Ayala (2-1, 1 KO), with scores of 40-36 on all cards.